Michael Tancredi Memorial Fund
Donation protected
This page is dedicated to the memory of Michael David Tancredi; son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend, and, most importantly, father.
Ask anyone, and they will say the same thing; Michael, at his core, was a joyful man. He radiated playful energy and, because of his luster, was beloved by so many people that crossed his path. He had an uncanny ability to tease you relentlessly while simultaneously showing you how much he loved you. That is a real skill.
As a kid, he’d have been described as mischievous - a characteristic that challenged even the most patient parent, grandparent, or aunt. He knew just when to turn those shenanigans around with a big grin and a giggle. Like Peter Pan to the Lost Boys, that charming brand of mischief was a very welcome distraction.
As an adult, Michael’s high-spirited, fun-loving vibrancy endured despite the many challenges and roadblocks he faced. Like so many who seek comfort from conflict, he learned to cope with his challenges by turning to substances. His family and friends watched him struggle with substance dependence for several years, despite attempts to get better for his son and for his family.
Substance abuse and loss are not uncommon for families, especially ours. Michael’s health and well-being were significantly impaired by his struggle with addiction. These challenges prevented him from securing a future for his beautiful and equally vivacious son, Giovanni. So much of Michael’s story is about his challenges, but we’d like to shift focus and remind people about his legacy of joy. We want him to be remembered as someone who loved his son, was cared for by his family, and adored by his friends. Michael is a reminder that we can contain a multitude of truths at once.
His family is asking for donations for Gio, so he doesn’t feel so alone in the next few months and is not in need of something his father might have provided. These funds will also go to offset the costs of his services so that his mother can have some relief in the coming weeks. I (Michael's cousin, Jessica) will withdraw the funds on their behalf and deliver the money to them outside of GoFundMe.
The night before he died, Michael, not uncharacteristically, pulled his son Gio into a hug and said, “I know you love me even though you think I’m a pain in the ass”. This was a very Michael way of saying, “& I love you too”. Please give what you can and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Michael’s family
Ask anyone, and they will say the same thing; Michael, at his core, was a joyful man. He radiated playful energy and, because of his luster, was beloved by so many people that crossed his path. He had an uncanny ability to tease you relentlessly while simultaneously showing you how much he loved you. That is a real skill.
As a kid, he’d have been described as mischievous - a characteristic that challenged even the most patient parent, grandparent, or aunt. He knew just when to turn those shenanigans around with a big grin and a giggle. Like Peter Pan to the Lost Boys, that charming brand of mischief was a very welcome distraction.
As an adult, Michael’s high-spirited, fun-loving vibrancy endured despite the many challenges and roadblocks he faced. Like so many who seek comfort from conflict, he learned to cope with his challenges by turning to substances. His family and friends watched him struggle with substance dependence for several years, despite attempts to get better for his son and for his family.
Substance abuse and loss are not uncommon for families, especially ours. Michael’s health and well-being were significantly impaired by his struggle with addiction. These challenges prevented him from securing a future for his beautiful and equally vivacious son, Giovanni. So much of Michael’s story is about his challenges, but we’d like to shift focus and remind people about his legacy of joy. We want him to be remembered as someone who loved his son, was cared for by his family, and adored by his friends. Michael is a reminder that we can contain a multitude of truths at once.
His family is asking for donations for Gio, so he doesn’t feel so alone in the next few months and is not in need of something his father might have provided. These funds will also go to offset the costs of his services so that his mother can have some relief in the coming weeks. I (Michael's cousin, Jessica) will withdraw the funds on their behalf and deliver the money to them outside of GoFundMe.
The night before he died, Michael, not uncharacteristically, pulled his son Gio into a hug and said, “I know you love me even though you think I’m a pain in the ass”. This was a very Michael way of saying, “& I love you too”. Please give what you can and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Michael’s family
Fundraising team: Tancredi Fundraising Team (2)
Jessica Vanderberg
Organizer
Colchester, CT
Serena Guerrette
Team member
